Ginger Cherry Quinoa

Heart healthy grain quinoa is sautéed with shallots and fresh ginger. Dried cherries bring their sweetness while toasted pine nuts turn this simple supper into a meal of luxury. This recipe comes to us from Jen of Domestic Divas.

Serves 4

1/4 pine nuts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups water

1/2 cup dried cherries

salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, chopped

Place the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, shaking the pan every 30 seconds, for 2-3 minutes, or until the pine nuts become fragrant. Set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and ginger and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until softened.

Add the quinoa to the saucepan, stir to combine and cook for 1 minute more. Add the water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.

Let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes, then uncover and fluff with a fork. Stir in the dried cherries and pine nuts. Season to with salt and pepper to taste, top with parsley and enjoy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 2000 calories a day as a reasonable average guideline for most American adults. Click here to learn how you can use the Monday 2000 to reset the calorie budget you have to spend each day. For specific calorie recommendations based on your age, metabolism and medical history, consult your doctor or nutritionist.